Olivier Vernon hoping to make up for lost time

UM DE

Miami Hurricanes defensive end apologetic as he returns from six-game suspension

Miami players celebrate early against North Carolina. (US Presswire )

October 17, 2011|By Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

CORAL GABLES — — Hurricanes defensive end Olivier Vernon apologized Monday to the university, Coach Al Golden, school president Donna Shalala, his teammates and UM fans for his involvement with former booster Nevin Shapiro.

Having completed a six-game suspension from the NCAA for accepting impermissible benefits, Vernon will make his season debut Saturday against Georgia Tech.

With the regular season half over, "I feel like it's a JV season in high school. I have to not expect anything big, but do what I have to do," said Vernon, who's listed behind Marcus Robinson and Shayon Green on the depth chart. "It's tough, but things happen. I've just got to work with what I've got."

Vernon said he was "baffled" and "shocked" when he learned his suspension would be six games. Of the eight UM players suspended for their involvement with Shapiro, Vernon's punishment was the most severe. Vernon said he appealed about three weeks ago to get his suspension reduced, but the NCAA denied his request. He said he never considered redshirting.

• Golden has been disappointed with Brandon Washington at LT, which is why there's an open competition between Washington and Seantrel Henderson at that spot this week.

"We're not getting enough out of the left tackle. It's as simple as that," Golden said. "We've tried multiple guys over there. I don't like the way it looks and it's going to get it fixed."

•- P Dalton Botts also is in danger of losing his spot. K Jake Wieclaw will compete for the job this week, Golden said. Botts averaged 34.2 yards on five punts Saturday at North Carolina.

•Sean Spence was named ACC Linebacker of the Week on Monday for the second consecutive week. He had 14 tackles as well as the game-clinching sack in the waning seconds vs. UNC.